District agrees to Coke contract; Finance director retires

Wednesday

Sep 26, 2012 at 10:40 AM

A new five-year contract with Coca-Cola could net more profits for the Jasper County School District.According to the agreement, which runs through August 2017, Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School could see an annual increase in revenues from sales of about $300 and Ridgeland-Hardeeville High's increase could be $1,400.The value of Coca-Cola provided funds, awards, equipment, advertising and fundraisers, and sales for the high school is $12,700; the middle school value is $7,900.At Monday's school board meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract."Coca-Cola has been providing services for schools across the state and have been, by far, the most competitive," district Chief of Operations Darryl Owens said. "No one has been able to touch the prices they have provided us."The middle school will get 54 more beverages than the prior contract, which include 20-ounce carbonated drinks, 20-ounce Vitamin Water Zero, 10-ounce Minute Maid 100% Juice and 20-ounce Dasani.All carbonated drinks are recommended be for teachers and staff. Students will have the non-carbonated options.Coca-Cola requests the middle school and high school have at least one fundraiser, which allows students to pre-sell 20-ounce products. The agreement states all profits are for the school.A $1,000 fund provided by Coca-Cola is set up for each year, which will be used to enhance the facility. Coca-Cola will provide the middle school with Powerade sideline equipment, such as coolers, towels and bottles.For the high school, the only carbonated soft drinks for students will be diet or zero calories. It will have Powerade, Powerade Zero, Dasani, Minute Maid and Vitamin Water Zero. About 200 more beverages will be available.There is a $1,000 fund to be used for the facilities; $1,000 for an academic scholarship fund to be used by the administrator "as he/she sees fit"; and $500 for the athletics director to use "as he/she sees fit."Up to $300 per year can be used for advertising.Powerade is the official sports drink at all events and Coca-Cola products are required to be carried at concession stands at sporting events.If the board decides to eventually not use Coca-Cola, it must give Coca-Cola the right of first refusal.

Mack-Huff honoredSandra Mack-Huff, retiring as the district's director of finance, was given a plaque for her 13 years of service by Superintendent Vashti Washington and Chief of Academics and Human Resources Arthur Holmes."I'm going to not only lose a co-worker, but I can honestly say I'm going to lose a friend," Holmes said.Mack-Huff, who was joined by her sister and friends, was given tickets for a Carolina Panthers (her favorite team) football game.Washington said Mack-Huff was one of "great integrity" and trustworthy."Thank you for being accountable," Washington said.Mack-Huff asked the board to work with Washington."Support does not mean always agreeing, but working together for a united front," she said.The district also recognized 16 retirees from 2010.

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